One of the realest series I’ve ever watched is a cartoon about a washed-up television star. Who is also an anthropomorphic horse.

BoJack Horseman is a comedy, albeit a dark one. It delves into topics that are an antithesis to its lighthearted character designs: depression, narcissism, social and familial dysfunction, the many flavors of addiction, and death. Just to name a few.

The brilliant writers of BoJack Horseman have dealt with these sensitive issues with much care and honesty. As a result, the show is more than a biting satire of Hollywood — it’s a source of excellent advice, especially for those who are embroiled in their own personal struggles. I can speak from experience, as BoJack Horseman has inspired me in times when I’ve been down.

If you’re in need of some motivation, look to these 4 BoJack Horseman quotes to get you going (minor spoilers ahead):

1.

Every day it gets a little easier. But you have to do it every day. That’s the hard part.

One of season two’s running gags featured a runner (…delayed laugh) who would occasionally be seen outside of BoJack’s home trying to run up an incline with much difficulty. Throughout the course of the season, the old man gradually increases his stamina, and by the season finale, he can jog up the hill with ease. He catches a winded BoJack — who is now trying to conquer the incline himself — and offers the defeated star his words of encouragement.

The quote can be applied to either a specific situation (like learning a new skill) or life at large (dealing with a string of bad luck). If it’s hard today, it’ll be less hard tomorrow, provided that you don’t stop trying. No, it won’t always be easy, especially if things aren’t going as you had planned, but seeing it through will reap more benefits than giving up.

2.

3.

It’s never too late to be the person you want to be. You need to choose the life you want.

In this Peanuts-themed drug hallucination, Diane lends a desperate BoJack these uplifting words when he asks if it’s too late for him to become someone who is happy and loved by many. This scenario plays out much differently in the real world, however, when BoJack confronts Diane with the same question and she’s left speechless.

Ignoring that it’s a product of a hedonistic binge, it’s still terrific advice. How many people have been willing to try something new or make a significant change in their lives, only to be held back by the notion that their time to do it has passed? Time is a restraint people impose on themselves. It’ll only be too late when you’re on your deathbed, wishing you had the gall to try the things you wanted when you were still healthy and able. Don’t become the person who leaves the physical realm with a list of regrets.

4.

BoJack, when you get sad, you run straight ahead and keep running forward, no matter what. There are people in your life that are gonna try to hold you back, slow you down, but you don’t let them. Don’t you stop running and don’t you ever look behind you. There’s nothing for you behind you. All that exists is what’s ahead.

In the BoJack universe, Secretariat is a renowned racehorse who is exposed for betting on races. He’s also BoJack’s childhood idol. This scenario is heartbreaking on two occasions, as it’s not only revealed that a young BoJack never heard his hero reply to his letter due to quarreling parents, but Secretariat himself couldn’t follow through on his own advice amidst scandal.

People have a tendency to dwell on the past, especially its negative aspects. It’s unwise to keep replaying those situations in your mind. You should always be looking forward, racing toward what you want, despite whatever obstacles may get in your way (naysayers, your own fears). What’s happened has already happened, and there’s nothing you can do to change it. All you can change is what’s to come.

Special Thanks

I want to thank Raphael Bob-Waksberg for creating such a wonderful series, and Todd VanDerWerff for penning the excellent piece that inspired me to give BoJack Horseman a try. The above quotes have given me much solace when I needed it, and I hope they can motivate you, too. And if you haven’t yet, watch BoJack Horseman on Netflix. There’s plenty of time to catch up before season 3 debuts in 2016!

The Monday Question:

What is your favorite inspirational quote from pop culture? Is there a TV show, book, song, or movie that features sage advice that you apply to your own life? Share these pearls of wisdom in the comments.

Til next Monday!

All base images c/o Netflix.